Costa Rica and Panama Border Crossing: Complete Guide

Are you interested in crossing from Costa Rica into Panama or Panama into Costa Rica on the Caribbean Coast border?

If yes, you’ve come to the right place! We have done this border crossing several times and know all the details of what you can expect.

It can be a somewhat stressful experience, but with our tips, you can make it a much smoother and quicker process. 

So, let’s get to all the details of the different ways to cross, documents you need, safety info, and some insider tips that most tourists don’t know!

Where Are the Border Crossings?

It is possible to cross the border on the Pacific Coast, the middle of the country, and on the Caribbean Coast. 

On the Pacific Coast, the border crossing is in a town called Paso Canoas. This is a very popular border crossing since it is easiest for all people on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

In the middle of the country, the border town is called the Rio Sereno-San Vito Border. This is a very mountainous crossing and not common to visit.

On the Caribbean Coast, the border town is called Sixaola. 

In this post, we are only focussing on crossing on the Caribbean Coast. Mostly because this is the more common border crossing for travelers. 

You will want to cross the border on the Caribbean side if:

• You are traveling between the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama.
• You are traveling from anywhere in Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, Panama

We will start with crossing from Costa Rica into Panama. Scroll down if you are planning to cross from Panama into Costa Rica instead.

Transportation to the Border from Costa Rica

Getting to the Border by Public Bus

It is also possible to take public transportation from San Jose, Cahuita, or Puerto Viejo to the town of Sixaolo on the border. 

Taking the bus is by far the cheapest transportation option. We have done this several times and it has actually always been decently comfortable. 

The downside is that sometimes these buses can get very full, sometimes the AC is broken and it is extremely hot, and you will then need to complete the border crossing and arrange onward travel on your own. 

In my opinion, if you are on a really tight budget, opt for this. If not, choose a transfer because it will save you so much stress on the day of the border crossing.

Public Bus From San Jose, Costa Rica to the Caribbean Border

• Location: The MEPE bus departs from Terminal Limon in downtown San José. 
• Cost: ¢ 8445 each way for adults 
• Schedule: The bus departs daily at: 6:00am, 8:00am, 10:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm.
• Travel Time: It usually takes between 5:30 to 6 hours to get to the border from San Jose.

**You need to take the 6am bus to ensure that you make it across the border before the immigration officials close their stations for the day.**

I strongly suggest booking tickets ahead of time if possible. Unfortunately, you can not do this online. You will need to go to the bus terminal to pre-purchase tickets.

Additionally, you can try to contact MEPE via their online contact form to make a reservation. I have heard mixed things about them actually getting back to you though. But, it doesn’t hurt to try!

Note: The bus makes several stops along the way. However, the only stop for passengers to get food and use a bathroom is in Limon for 10 minutes.

From Puerto Viejo to the Caribbean Border

The bus ride from Puerto Viejo to Sixaola is very easy and short.

This bus runs at 30 past every hour from 5:30 am to 6:30pm. It runs once every two hours on Sundays and holidays. 

The bus terminal and ticket office is located in downtown Puerto Viejo next to La Parada cafe. 

The ride will take under an hour and only costs a few dollars.

Travel Tip: The MEPE bus from San Jose stops in Puerto Viejo before going to the border. Opt to take the bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo a night or two before you plan to cross into Panama. You can enjoy some Costa Rican Caribbean charm and then don’t need to deal with the very long bus ride plus the border crossing and onward travel all in one day.

Safety Info for Public Bus

We have never had any issues, but have heard of people having their stuff stolen on the MEPE bus.

The most common crime occurs when you put your luggage in the racks above your seat and fall asleep. When you wake up you might find that your luggage is gone.

It is best to always have anything of value directly on you at your seat. Don’t put your passport, wallet, etc. in a bag above your seat.

Getting to the Border by Car

It is not possible to drive your rental car over the border. If you are renting a car in Costa Rica, we suggest arranging to return your vehicle in Puerto Viejo. 

From Puerto Viejo, you can take the public bus, or book an all-inclusive transfer. 

Flying

If you have the option and it is in your budget, the most stress-free and quickest way to get between the two countries is by plane. 

Sansa Airlines flies from San Jose to Bocas del Toro twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. A plane ticket typically costs about $220 USD per way. 

Keep in mind that this is a very tiny plane, so if you don’t do well with small aircrafts, this is probably not the best option for you.

Additionally, Copa Airlines flies daily between San Jose and Panama City.

You can find tickets for all your flight needs on Skyscanner.

Must-Have Documents to Enter Panama

Before attempting the border crossing into Panama you will need the following documents as entry requirements.

Keep in mind that I am writing this with United States, Canadian, and EU citizens in mind. If you are a passport holder from another country the requirements may be different.

Proof of Onward Travel 

This now needs to be a flight back to your home country within 180 days. It can not be a bus ticket or a flight to another country.

It does not need to be a flight out of Panama. It just needs to be a flight out of any Central American country back to your home country.

​If you are not positive of your onward travel plans yet, one of the best ways to do this is to book a flight that offers free cancellation.

I have also heard about people creating fake flight info, but I don’t suggest risking that. Nobody wants to end up in a Costa Rican or Panamian prison for federal crimes. 

I suggest having this printed out as a paper copy, just in case you are asked to give it to the border control agent.

Passport and two photocopies of your passport

Note that your passport needs to be valid for at least six months to avoid any issues. You also need 2 paper copies of your passport.

I suggest bringing a few extra copies just in case.

The best way to get these photocopies is to bring them from home or ask at your hotel if they can print them for you before you complete the border crossing.

I have heard it is possible to find a print shop at the border, but I’m not sure exactly where this is and it just sounds like an added stress that you don’t need.

Bank Statement

You need to have at least $500 USD in a bank account in order to enter Panama.

It is very unusual that the Panama Immigration Office official will ask for this, but it is best to have a printout of a current bank statement just in case. 

The Border Control Experience from Costa Rica into Panama

Here is what you can expect once you arrive in Sixaola to officially exit Costa Rica. 

Note: We created this map so you can see exactly where some of the places we talk about are located.

Pay Exit Tax 

Before you exit Costa Rica you will need to pay a departure tax of $9.

In the past, cash in colones or US dollar was accepted. However, I have heard that they are going completely digital and you will now need to pay with credit card at an automated machine.

Unfortunately, I have also heard that these machines are frequently broken.

Instead, we suggest paying this exit fee ahead of time. It can be paid at any Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) bank in Costa Rica or at certain service points.

To add to the overall amazing experience, there is no BCR in Sixaola. So, you will need to do this ahead of time. Fun fun!

Luckily, it is possible to pay this directly through the BCR website. You can find out more here. Just make sure you are able to print your recipt to give to the border control agent.

If you are traveling with an all-inclusive transfer they might ask you to bring the $9 USD in cash instead. They will help you to take care of this so you won’t get stuck on the border.

Rumour has it that there is a person who will collect cash and give you a receipt for an exit stamp on the border.

It’s all a bit sketchy and probably very unofficial, but that is just how things go here sometimes. Pura Vida, right?

Get Exit Stamp

After you pay the exit tax you will need to get an exit stamp on the Costa Rica side. This is done at a nice and more official looking building. 

You will line up outside until it is your turn.

You will show the border control officer your receipt from paying the departure tax and they will ask for your passport.

They will then stamp your passport with an exit stamp and you will be on your way to Panama!

Note: There are restrooms here as you can see in the picture above. I strongly suggest using them before crossing the border because there are no good options on the Panama side.

Walk Across the Costa Rica-Panama Border

Next, it is time to walk over the Sixaola-Guabito International Bridge to the Panama side.

This always feels like a little break between two somewhat stressful situations.

Enjoy the views of the river and do some people watching. It is a short walk across and will take less than 5 minutes. 

As you walk across the border remember to adjust the time on your watch and cell phone. Panama is one hour ahead of Costa Rica. If it was 9am in Costa Rica it is 10am in Panama.

Pay Entry Tax and Get Entry Stamp

Next, you will wait in line to get an entry stamp in your passport and pay $4 USD entry fee in Panama.

The border control entry area is not well marked, but it is on the left side of the main road down an alley between the parking lot with taxis and the duty free shop. It is pictured above.

So, just follow other people. It is kind of crazy because nobody is checking anything. You could easily just walk right into Panama without anyone stopping you.

Sometimes this line can be very long. We waited for three hours here once. 

Once you get to the front of the line you will be asked by the border agent for some basic information and your documents. Some questions I have been asked are:

• “How long are you planning to stay in Panama?” You are only allowed to stay in Panama for up to 180 days.
• “Where are you staying tonight” Just give them the name of your hotel. 

You will be asked for a copy of your passport page, flight proof of onward travel, and you will need to pay the $4 entry fee. That is usually all.

Occasionally you may be asked for a bank statement proving you have at least $500 to your name. 

How to Get to Bocas del Toro from the Border

Once you cross into Panama and get an entry stamp in your passport, you can be on your way to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Bocas del Toro is a series of tropical islands that we highly recommend visiting. It’s just a very unique and fun place. 

To get here you will need to take a shuttle and a boat.

If you have booked an all-inclusive experience you can skip this next section because that will all be taken care of for you.

Step One: Shuttle Bus

Once you receive your entry stamp in Panama you will see a large parking lot with multiple taxi drivers and vans.

These are basically shared taxis that will take you to the docks at Puerto Almirante.

Puerto Almirante is the town where the boats to Bocas del Toro leave from.

Typically it will cost about $10 to $20 per person for this drive. You can pay this in cash in US dollars to the driver.

The ride takes about an hour. 

Just a warning, everytime we have done this I have been slightly scared for my life. The drive is on main roads and is really nice for some woodsy scenery, but the drivers are typically a bit nuts.

The roads are also a bit curvy, so if you get car sick easily it is best to take a motion sickness pill ahead of time. 

Step Two: Boat

The shared taxi will drop you off at a boat terminal in Puerto Almirante. You will then pay for the boat (it is typically under $10).

The boat ride takes abour 45 minutes and will bring you to Isla Colon (the main downtown area of Bocas del Toro).

Note: One time we were traveling with friends and the boat captain decided to refill the gas on the boat before we departed. He accidentally dumped an entire gas can on our friend’s duffel bag. All of our friend’s clothes were ruined and we didn’t realize it until arriving in Bocas. So, try and pay attention to where your luggage gets stored if possible.

And that’s it! You are now in Bocas del Toro and can enjoy all the beautiful tropical islands that this place has to offer. 

From Isla Colon you can easily get to any of the Bocas del Toro islands buy water taxi.

Check out our guide to Bocas del Toro for all the best restaurants, places to stay, fun things to do etc.

Next, let’s go through the process of crossing from Panama into Costa Rica.

Transportation to the Border from Panama

If you are coming from Bocas del Toro and going to San Jose or Puerto Viejo we suggest taking an shared transfer service.

• From Bocas del Toro you will need to take a boat ride from Isla Colon to Puerto Almirante. This typically leaves sometime between 6am and 8am. You should pre-purchase your tickets at any of the boat companies on Isla Colon.
• At Puerto Almirante, you will be able to find a shared taxi to take you to the border

The Border Control Experience from Panama into Costa Rica

Here is what you can expect on the border.

Exiting Panama

First you will need to go to the immigration office to get an exit stamp in your passport. Your shared taxi or shuttle driver can direct you where to go. Or, just follow all the other travelers.

This process is very easy. The border control officer typically doesn’t ask any questions. You will get a passport stamp and be on your way. 

Note: You need to pay $3USD in cash as an exit fee.

Next, you will walk across the bridge from the Panamanian border into Costa Rica. 

Entering Costa Rica

As you walk across the bridge into Costa Rica, the first thing you need to do is to adjust your cell phone and/ or watch.

Costa Rica is one hour behind Panama. So, if it was 9am in Panama it is 8:00am in Costa Rica.  

You will then join the sometimes long line on the Costa Rican border for entrance. 

To complete the Costa Rica border crossing you need:

• A valid passport that is good for at least 90 days (I suggest at least 6 months to avoid any problems)
• A stamp in your passport showing your proof of exit from Panama.
• Proof that you will be exiting Costa Rica within 90 days. This can be in the form of a bus ticket with your name and passport info on it or a flight.
• Apparently, the Costa Rican government said they are enacting a $15 entry fee. I haven’t had to pay this yet, but just be prepared that this may happen at some point.

Onward Transportation in Costa Rica

If you opted to cross without a transfer you will need to figure out your next transportation steps. Luckily, there is a bus station just down the street from the border control office. You can find it on our handy border crossing map.

How to Get to Puerto Viejo

After crossing over the border and getting an entry stamp into Costa Rica you can be on your way to your next destination. One popular place to go is Puerto Viejo.

This Caribbean beach town has a backpacker feel to it. It is a great place for surfing, relaxing on the beach, and living up the nightlife vibes.

It’s actually very easy to get here.

Just walk to the Sixaola bus station and purchase a bus ticket. The bus to downtown Puerto Viejo runs once an hour. The ride will take about 45 minutes. 

How to Get to San Jose

If you are planning to go to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica you can opt to take the public bus from the MEPE bus terminal.

The bus from the Sixaola border to San Jose runs multiple times a day at: 2:00am, 4:00am, 8:00am, 11:00am, 3:00pm. I suggest aiming for the 11:00am bus.

There is a ticket booth at the bus terminal to purchase a ticket. 

The bus ride takes about 6 hours and stops once in Limon so you can use the restroom and buy snacks. There is no bathroom on the bus.

Note: Once you arrive in San Jose at the bus terminal be very wary of taxi drivers. a lot of pirate taxi drivers operate out of this bus terminal and try to scam unassuming travelers. Instead, always only take an official taxi.

You can recognize an official taxi because it will be red with a yellow triangle on the driver and passenger side doors and will look like the one pictured above.

Renting a Car

If you would like to rent a car for your onward travels, the best option is to go to Puerto Viejo by bus and pick up your rental car there.

We suggest renting with Adobe Rent-a-Car. They have an office a block away from the bus terminal.

Rent Your Car with Adobe and Save 10% Plus Other Perks

What to Bring and Wear

The first time we ever did this border crossing Thomas and I were both wearing t-shirts and shorts.

We were not prepared for the hours we spent standing in the direct sun in line waiting to get our passport stamped in Panama.

We both ended up like little tomatoes. 

So, we have learned our lesson and created the ideal packing list based off of our personal experience.

• Layers: Sometimes the public buses have the AC blasting, other times the AC might be broken and you will be so overheated.
• A sun-blocking hat for standing in line at the border
• Comfortable footwear for the long hours on your feet
• SPF 50 sunblock
• A rain jacket and rain cover for your bags during the rainy season
• All your documents easily organized (Thomas has made me very German and I like to carry everything in a closeable sleeve or folder)
• Portable phone charger so you can keep devices charged on the long travel day
• A huge full waterbottle. You will need it to stay hydrated
• Cash in US dollars. I suggest having a lot of one dollar bills and $5 bills so you can easily pay any small fees. I suggest have about $50 for your border crossing day.
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Two paper copies of your passport
• Your passport
• Proof of onward flights
• Hotel reservation info
• All of your valuables (always keep your valuables on you and not in your larger bag)

The Town of Sixaola

The town of Sixaola is the border town on the Costa Rican side. It is a small town and not an overly nice place. 

• If you need food before your journey there is a small grocery store or a simple Costa Rican restaurant called Soda Martha.
• Last time I was able to pay a small amount of money to use the bathroom at Soda Martha before a long bus journey. The bathroom was not nice, but it was fine. 

The Town of Guabito

The town of Guabito is the border town on the Panama side.

It is not a place you want to get stuck and have to spend the night. So, make sure that you are able to complete the border crossing before the immigration office closes for the day. 

• There is a duty free shop right next to the immigration office. This is a great place to buy liquor at a reasonable rate.
• There is someone with outdoor bathrooms across the street from the immigration office, but you have to pay for them and it is basically just a hole in the ground. 

Helpful Tips About the Border Crossing

Here are some helpful tips and things to keep in mind before your adventure.

Border Opening Hours

The border control offices are open between 8 am and 4 pm. It is important that you arrive as early as possible to get everything completed.

Also, if you are heading to Bocas del Toro this becomes increasingly important because the boats typically stop running once it gets dark (by 6pm).

Time Change

Keep in mind that Panama is one hour ahead of Costa Rica.

This is really important to pay attention to when you consider what time the border control stations close in both Costa Rica and Panama,

You do not want to get stuck on the border for the night. 

Currency Info

In Costa Rica the main currency is Costa Rican colones, but US dollars are also widely accepted.

In Panama the main currency is the Panamanian balboa, but US dollars are widely accepted.

Stay Connected

The best way to stay connected while traveling between Central American countries is with an eSIM. Our favorite eSIM company is Airalo.

They offer Central America plans that can be used throughout both countries. 

Don’t Stress Too Much

I know this was a lot of info and can seem overwhelming.

It will be a long day, however, this is a very common route to cross the land border. It is especially popular with backpackers.

You will likely meet tons of other like minded travelers and can help each other get through the process.

Speaking Spanish

In our experience the border control officers in Costa Rica and Panama are able to speak English. It is always great if you can speak some Spanish, but don’t stress about it.

Safety on the Border

Your biggest concern regarding safety should be petty theft.

And, petty theft definitely sometimes happens here.

It is so easy to get distracted with organizing your paperwork, figuring out where to go next, and then realize your bag has been stolen.

So, pack as light as possible and try to keep all your belongings secure. 

Some other things you should do to stay safe are:

• Register for STEP if you are a US citizen
• Buy travel insurance
• Don’t trust random people on the border

Conclusion: Border Crossing Between Costa Rica and Panama

All in all the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama can be somewhat of a headache, but completely doable. Taking a transfer or opting to fly will save you a lot of hassle. 

If you have any questions about crossing the Costa Rica to Panama border don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below. We are happy to help you out. 

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